The Best BBQ Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Deliciousness

Looking for the best BBQ ribs recipe that will have everyone at your cookout begging for seconds? These mouthwatering, tender ribs are first slowly baked in the oven, then finished on the grill with a homemade sweet and spicy BBQ sauce that creates the perfect sticky glaze. The combination of oven-baking and grilling ensures perfectly tender meat that literally falls off the bone while giving you that authentic BBQ flavor.

The Best BBQ Ribs with homemade sauce

Why This BBQ Rib Recipe Stands Above the Rest

What makes these the best BBQ ribs you’ll ever taste? It’s all about the technique and that irresistible homemade sauce. The low-and-slow oven method tenderizes the meat perfectly, while finishing on the grill adds that smoky char we all crave. The rum-infused BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating sticky, finger-licking ribs that will be the star of any backyard gathering.

Serves: 8 people

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need for Award-Worthy Ribs

4 pounds pork spareribs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup dark rum
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect BBQ Ribs

Prepare the ribs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel (this ensures tender ribs).
Create the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Season the ribs: Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, making sure to work it into the meat.
Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easier cleanup). Place the seasoned ribs on the baking sheet, meat side up, and cover tightly with another sheet of foil.
Bake the ribs: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours or until the meat is tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
Make the BBQ sauce: While the ribs are baking, prepare your sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, rum, remaining brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the grill: About 20 minutes before the ribs are done baking, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F).
Grill and baste: Transfer the baked ribs to the preheated grill. Brush liberally with the BBQ sauce and grill for 5 minutes. Flip the ribs, brush the other side with sauce, and grill for another 5 minutes.
Final glazing: Continue to flip and baste the ribs with sauce every 5 minutes for about 20-30 minutes total, or until the ribs are beautifully caramelized and have a sticky glaze.
Rest and serve: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting between the bones to separate. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for the Most Tender BBQ Ribs

Remove the membrane: Don’t skip this crucial step! The membrane on the back of the ribs can make them tough and prevent the flavors from penetrating the meat.
Low and slow: Patience is key when cooking ribs. The long, slow cooking time in the oven ensures the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
Foil is your friend: Tightly sealing the ribs in foil during baking helps them steam and become extra tender.
Layered flavors: The combination of the dry rub and the homemade BBQ sauce creates complex, layered flavors that make these ribs irresistible.
Don’t rush the sauce: Allow your BBQ sauce to simmer properly, as this develops the flavors and creates the perfect consistency for glazing.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Your BBQ Ribs

Complete your BBQ feast with these classic sides that pair perfectly with ribs:

Creamy coleslaw
Baked beans
Corn on the cob
Macaroni and cheese
Potato salad
Cornbread

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides:

Calories: 504 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 715mg
Sugar: 20g

Why You’ll Love The Best BBQ Ribs Recipe

These smoky, sweet, and tender BBQ ribs are guaranteed to become your go-to recipe for summer cookouts, family gatherings, and weekend dinners. The combination of the spicy dry rub, the sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce with a hint of rum, and the perfect cooking technique delivers ribs that are tender on the inside with a beautiful sticky glaze on the outside. Once you’ve mastered the best BBQ ribs recipe, you’ll never want to make them any other way!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes